About Us
For more than 100 years, the Thomson family has been printing in the greater St. Louis area. The company has evolved steadily throughout its history — and while much has changed over the years, its family ownership continues. Being a fourth-generation family business brings a personal touch to every job. The owners are involved with every level of the process, bringing deeper attention to detail and customer service. This commitment extends to every Thomson Printing customer.
Whether you meet a new client or someone who has been a customer for years, they will tell you the Thomson Printing staff is committed to our work. Keep scrolling to learn more about our journey from 1905 to present day, our humble beginnings as a local daily newspaper, and what makes us the leading full-service print company in St. Louis and St. Charles. Our print team is just one click or phone call away.
Our Values
Quality
A great product starts with great craftsmanship. Our commitment to quality means your brand always looks its best.
Service
Outstanding service is the standard. We take a hands-on approach to projects and offer guidance every step of the way.
Family
We value our relationships with clients, our team and the community, and we operate with the care only family can provide.
Our History
1905
1905
Ronald Thomson acquired the local daily newspaper, The Daily Banner-News in St. Charles County, Missouri. The early 1900s also saw significant advancements in printing technology, with the introduction of the four-color wet process printing inks in 1906, and development of the offset printing press in 1907.
Ronald Thomson acquired the local daily newspaper, The Daily Banner-News in St. Charles County, Missouri. The early 1900s also saw significant advancements in printing technology, with the introduction of the four-color wet process printing inks in 1906, and development of the offset printing press in 1907.
1946
1946
Mark Thomson took over operations of the business from his father, Ronald. The company continued its growth with the purchase of the Daily Cosmos-Monitor in 1959 and by acquiring the first offset web press west of the Mississippi River in 1961.
1972
1972
A disastrous fire destroyed the paper’s offices and printing operation. After the fire, the company operated out of the former St. Charles Hotel — with composing and advertising based out of the dining room, circulation and photo in the kitchen, and the newsroom in the restaurant. In 1973, the printing plant began operations at its current home, at 601 N. Kingshighway in St. Charles.
A disastrous fire destroyed the paper’s offices and printing operation. After the fire, the company operated out of the former St. Charles Hotel — with composing and advertising based out of the dining room, circulation and photo in the kitchen, and the newsroom in the restaurant. In 1973, the printing plant began operations at its current home, at 601 N. Kingshighway in St. Charles.
1978
1978
The company sold the newspaper division to Sun Communications and shifted its focus to commercial printing. A storefront for Thomson Printing was opened at 313 Droste Road in St. Charles. Also during this transition, Mike Thomson succeeded his father, Mark, beginning the family’s third generation of leadership.
2011
2011
John Meilink-Thomson joined Thomson Printing, working alongside his father, Mike, to grow and expand the company while Mike continued to lead operations at the print plant. With John’s guidance, the company acquired a small local website design firm in 2015, launched a digital marketing division in 2017, and acquired a branding agency in 2019.
John Meilink-Thomson joined Thomson Printing, working alongside his father, Mike, to grow and expand the company while Mike continued to lead operations at the print plant. With John’s guidance, the company acquired a small local website design firm in 2015, launched a digital marketing division in 2017, and acquired a branding agency in 2019.
2020
2020
The company continued to grow during a significant economic recession. All non-print operations were consolidated under one entity, rebranded as 1905 New Media, with an office opened in Olivette. In 2021, the company also acquired a search marketing firm and a local marketing agency with PR capabilities, adding to 1905 New Media’s in-house expertise.
Today
Today
Together, Thomson Printing and 1905 New Media help local, regional and national brands leverage the power of storytelling: to appeal to different audiences, to provide information and to build connections. The values Ronald Thomson believed in to build his newspaper are the same values we believe in. As technology continues to rapidly evolve, our passion for telling stories remains the same.
Together, Thomson Printing and 1905 New Media help local, regional and national brands leverage the power of storytelling: to appeal to different audiences, to provide information and to build connections. The values Ronald Thomson believed in to build his newspaper are the same values we believe in. As technology continues to rapidly evolve, our passion for telling stories remains the same.